Arts and Culture

MPR News has you covered with news and stories about local art and culture happenings across Minnesota.

Art Hounds: Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. You can explore arts events here, or become an Art Hound today.

Art Reviews: Our arts team offers insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more. We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape. Read more here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Art Friend is a new segment with our arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, and even boring. But, especially with the right context, everyone can be a critic. So let us be your guide- your Art Friend. Listen or read Art Friend stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The daily White House briefing: 'Must-see TV' with an uncertain future
There has been a rising storm of high dudgeon among the national media in recent days because the daily briefings have been closed to cameras - when the briefings happened at all.
Eddie Izzard: Coming out gave me the confidence for everything else
Fair warning: There are no actual jazz chickens in Eddie Izzard's new "Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death and Jazz Chickens." But it does provide insight into what makes the acclaimed comedian tick.
His new solo album "Americana" features the Minneapolis-based Jayhawks as his backing band. On the album Davies, who is British, explores his perceptions of America.
Some new work in the Sculpture Garden is truly deep
The garden's renovation included a drainage system to help manage storm water.
A fitness sisterhood grows in north Minneapolis
Valeri Turner and Chaz Sandifer are African-American lifestyle coaches offering culturally specific health and fitness options.
Neal Conan special: How Do Civil Wars End?
A program from former NPR host Neal Conan's new series, "Truth, Politics and Power." This edition is called "How and Why Do Civil Wars End?"
Be bigger, fight harder: Roxane Gay on a lifetime of 'Hunger'
Gay has finally written the book that she "wanted to write the least." The moment she realized she would "never want to write about fatness" was the same moment she knew this was a memoir she had to write.
KC and the Sunshine Band's hit was a nod to a DJ
Robert Walker was first disc jockey to play the band's breakthrough single "Get Down Tonight" on the radio.
Remembering soul singer Sonny Knight
Sonny Knight passed away on June 17 at the age of 69 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. His family moved to St. Paul when Knight was seven. He recorded his first single "Tears on My Pillow" as a teenager in the 1960s.